Alessi Menhir Review: Is It Worth It?
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The Alessi Menhir is a stovetop espresso coffee maker, a moka pot. Michael Anastassiades designed it, and Alessi makes it in Italy. It comes in 3-cup and 6-cup sizes in 18/10 stainless steel with a burgundy resin handle. This review covers how it works, how it cleans and whether it earns its price.
The Menhir works on induction thanks to a magnetic steel boiler. The pot brews strong moka-style coffee, not true espresso, and it needs hand washing. The 3-cup size costs $400 at Alessi US, while other US retailers list it from $174. The Alessi 9090 costs $335, and a Bialetti Moka Express costs about $48 to $62. The 6-cup size runs $215 to $290.
No independent brew test of the Menhir exists, so the verdict rests on materials, build and price. The sections below cover sizes, parts, care and rivals. Read on to learn who should buy the Menhir and who should skip it. A cheaper moka pot may serve most home brewers just as well. This review looks at induction support, hand washing and price, and Alessi had no say.
What Is the Alessi Menhir Espresso Coffee Maker?
The Alessi Menhir is a stovetop espresso coffee maker made from 18/10 stainless steel. Alessi introduced the Menhir in 2023. A burgundy resin handle sits on a magnetic steel boiler.
The moka pot is the stovetop brewer that Alfonso Bialetti made famous with the Moka Express in 1933. The Menhir belongs to this type. The pot makes strong, concentrated coffee, but it does not make true espresso.
Alessi builds the Menhir in Italy. The Alessi headquarters and factory stand in Crusinallo, a district of Omegna on Lake Orta in Piedmont. The Good Design Awards entry names Omegna.
The name comes from menhirs, the standing stones of Brittany, Ireland and the British Isles. The word itself comes from Brittonic words that mean long stone. Many of those stones are over 5,000 years old. The pot echoes them with a low, wide, thick-walled body and polished, reflective surfaces.
Giovanni Alessi founded the Alessi brand in 1921. His grandson Alberto Alessi is the best-known face of the family firm today. The brand also makes the Juicy Salif citrus squeezer by Philippe Starck (1990). Michael Graves designed the 9093 kettle for Alessi in 1985.
The Menhir entered the 2024 Good Design Awards in the Kitchen and Appliances category. The entry credits the design to Michael Anastassiades.
Who Designed the Alessi Menhir?
Michael Anastassiades designed the Alessi Menhir as a quiet tribute to the daily coffee ritual. He did not set out to reinvent the moka pot. He set out to honor its place in culture. His design treats coffee making as a mindful act, not a rushed one.
The Cypriot-born designer was born in 1967 and works from London. He first studied civil engineering at Imperial College London. He then took a masters degree in industrial design at the Royal College of Art. In 1994, he opened his own studio in London.
The studio has worked with Flos, B&B Italia, Herman Miller, Cassina and Molteni. For Flos, he designed the IC F1 floor lamp in 2014. His work blends industrial production with handmade craft.
His work has earned wide recognition. He has won a Compasso d'Oro. Museums such as MoMA in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum show his work.
What Sizes Does the Alessi Menhir Come In?
The Alessi Menhir comes in two sizes, a 3-cup model and a 6-cup model. The 3-cup model, MA01/3, holds 150 ml (5.1 fl oz). The 6-cup model, MA01/6, holds 300 ml (10 fl oz).
A moka pot cup is a small serving of about 50 ml (1.7 fl oz). Three cups equal 150 ml and six cups equal 300 ml.
The 6-cup pot ships with a filter adapter. The adapter reduces the basket to a 3-cup dose. Because of this, one 6-cup pot brews either 3 or 6 cups.
Alessi Menhir Sizes:
| Model | Cups | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| MA01/3 | 3 | 150 ml (5.1 fl oz) |
| MA01/6 | 6 | 300 ml (10 fl oz) |
| MA01/6 with adapter | 3 | 150 ml (5.1 fl oz) |
How Does the Alessi Menhir Work?
The Alessi Menhir works like any moka pot, using steam pressure to push hot water through ground coffee. The stove heats water in the lower chamber. The water rises through the funnel filter into the upper chamber.
A moka pot brews at about 1 to 2 bar of pressure. An espresso machine brews at 9 bar. The lower pressure means no crema, the golden foam of true espresso. Brewers call the result moka coffee.
Moka pots also brew hotter. The water reaches the grounds as a mix of boiling water and steam above 100°C (212°F). Espresso machines brew at 92 to 96°C (198 to 205°F).
A safety valve sits on the lower chamber. The water level must stay below the valve. The coffee goes in the funnel filter above the water.
Five parts make up the pot. The boiler holds the water. The funnel filter holds the coffee. The upper chamber catches the brew and carries the micro-filter. A silicone rubber seal closes the chambers. A resin handle completes the pot.
Pot Parts:
- Boiler holds the water
- Funnel filter holds the coffee
- Upper chamber catches the brew and carries the micro-filter
- Silicone rubber seal closes the chambers
- Resin handle gives a grip
How Do You Brew Coffee With the Alessi Menhir?
The Alessi Menhir brews coffee in four simple steps on any stove. First, the bottom chamber is filled with cold water. The water stays below the safety valve.
The funnel filter then sits in the chamber and is filled with coffee. Grind the coffee finer than for drip coffee but coarser than for espresso. Do not press the coffee down too hard.
The top and bottom chambers screw together, and the pot goes on the heat. The coffee collects in the top chamber.
Brewing Steps:
- Fill the bottom chamber with cold water below the safety valve.
- Set the funnel filter in the chamber and fill it with coffee.
- Screw the top and bottom chambers together.
- Place the pot on the heat and wait for the coffee to collect in the top chamber.
The Alessi 9090 guidance suits the Menhir as well. Use gentle heat. Pulling the pot off the heat just before it finishes avoids a scalded taste.
Does the Alessi Menhir Work on Induction?
Yes. The Alessi Menhir works on induction hobs, thanks to a magnetic steel boiler. Both sizes also work on gas and electric heat.
The boiler is the part that matters. The body steel of the Menhir is 18/10, which is nearly non-magnetic. The magnetic steel boiler is what lets the pot heat on induction.
Many aluminium moka pots do not work on induction. The standard Bialetti Moka Express is one example. Those pots need an induction plate adapter, which is a flat steel disc. The Menhir needs no such adapter.
What Is the Alessi Menhir Made Of?
The Alessi Menhir is made of 18/10 stainless steel with a polished finish. The 18/10 grade means the steel holds 18 percent chromium and 10 percent nickel. The grade matches AISI 304, also written EN 1.4301.
The boiler uses magnetic steel. One retailer lists an aluminium casting bottom, while Alessi lists a magnetic steel boiler. Both descriptions point to a base that heats on induction.
The handle is thermoplastic resin in burgundy. One retailer says the handle does not heat up. Another lists the handle and knob as PA, a type of polyamide plastic.
Alessi says the steel gives safety, strength and durability for many years. Polished steel, however, shows fingerprints and water spots. A quick dry after washing keeps the shine.
How Big Is the Alessi Menhir?
The Alessi Menhir is big at 21.5 cm (8.5 in) tall in the 6-cup size. The 3-cup size stands 18 cm (7.1 in) tall, 13.9 cm (5.5 in) wide and 7 cm (2.8 in) long.
The 6-cup pot is 15 cm (5.9 in) wide and 8.5 cm (3.3 in) long.
Alessi Menhir Dimensions:
| Size | Height | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-cup | 18 cm (7.1 in) | 13.9 cm (5.5 in) | 7 cm (2.8 in) |
| 6-cup | 21.5 cm (8.5 in) | 15 cm (5.9 in) | 8.5 cm (3.3 in) |
Alessi lists no weight. One retailer lists 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) for the 6-cup pot. Another lists a shipping weight of 1.07 kg (2.4 lb).
The 6-cup pot needs shelf space at least 21.5 cm (8.5 in) high.
Does the Alessi Menhir Make Good Coffee?
Yes. The Alessi Menhir makes good moka-style coffee, though no independent brew test of this pot exists. Moka coffee tastes strong and full in body.
The best evidence comes from its sibling, the Alessi 9090, which earns praise for taste. The Menhir uses the same stainless steel and the same stovetop method. The shared steel and method suggest a comparable cup.
Design commentary notes a precise lid fit and a solid weight. A thick steel wall holds heat evenly, and even heat helps a calm, steady brew.
The steel itself also matters for flavor. Stainless steel does not react with coffee. Aluminium conducts heat faster than stainless steel, so aluminium pots start brewing sooner.
Whatever the pot, the cook shapes the cup through grind and heat. In any moka pot, the coffee should be ground fine but not powdery. The heat should stay moderate.
What Are the Alessi Menhir's Drawbacks?
The Alessi Menhir has clear drawbacks: price, hand washing and a lack of independent tests. The 3-cup pot costs $400 at Alessi US.
Cons:
- Price of $400 for the 3-cup pot at Alessi US
- Hand washing only
- No independent brew test
- Tall and heavy 6-cup pot
The pot is not dishwasher safe. Alessi asks owners to wash it by hand. Polished steel also needs drying to stay clean.
No independent brew test of the Menhir was found. Alessi's own page shows no customer reviews. Buyers rely on the brand record and the 9090 reviews.
The 6-cup pot is tall and heavy next to an aluminium pot. One retailer lists the 6-cup pot at 1.5 kg (3.3 lb).
How Do You Clean the Alessi Menhir?
You clean the Alessi Menhir with warm running water and a non-abrasive cloth. Wash every part by hand after each brew.
Let the pot cool before washing. Unscrew the two chambers. Take out the funnel filter, the silicone seal and the upper micro-filter. Then wash each part.
Clean the upper micro-filter from time to time. Coffee oils and fine grounds collect there. A clogged filter slows the brew.
Dry the pot after washing. Polished steel shows water spots. A soft cloth keeps the finish bright.
Care also protects the warranty. Perigold's terms exclude misuse and failure to follow recommended care.
Is the Alessi Menhir Dishwasher Safe?
No. The Alessi Menhir is not dishwasher safe, and Alessi says to wash it by hand. Retailers repeat the same hand wash advice.
The approved method is warm running water and a non-abrasive cloth. The steel is polished, so abrasive pads can scratch it.
Wayfair and Perigold list the same care steps. Perigold's warranty excludes failure to follow recommended care.
Can You Replace Alessi Menhir Parts?
Yes. You can replace Alessi Menhir parts including the handle, funnel filter, upper micro-filter and silicone rubber seal. Alessi lists all four as replaceable if damaged.
Replaceable Parts:
- Handle
- Funnel filter
- Upper micro-filter
- Silicone rubber seal
The silicone seal wears first in any moka pot. The seal closes the gap between the two chambers. A worn seal leaks steam.
Alessi US offers direct support through its headquarters team in Italy. Owners can ask that team about spare parts.
How Does the Alessi Menhir Compare to Rivals?
The Alessi Menhir compares with two main rivals, the Alessi 9090 and the Bialetti Moka Express. All three brew moka coffee on the stove. They differ in material, price and induction support.
The Menhir and the 9090 use 18/10 stainless steel. The Bialetti uses aluminium. Stainless steel works on induction without an adapter, so the two Alessi pots suit induction cooktops. The Bialetti needs an adapter.
Alessi US prices show the ladder. The Moka Alessi pots cost $55 to $100. The Pulcina by Michele De Lucchi costs $145 to $170. La Cupola costs $150. The 9090 costs $335. The Menhir costs $400.
Moka Pot Comparison:
| Pot | Material | Induction | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alessi Menhir | 18/10 stainless steel | Yes, built in | $400 (3-cup) |
| Alessi 9090 | 18/10 stainless steel | Yes, magnetic base | $335 (3-cup) |
| Bialetti Moka Express | Aluminium | No, needs an adapter | $48 to $62 |
Alessi Menhir vs Alessi 9090: Which Is Better?
The Alessi 9090 is the better value at $65 less than the Alessi Menhir. The 9090 also has a longer track record. Richard Sapper designed the 9090 in 1979. The 9090 was the first espresso maker in the Alessi line.
The 9090 is made of 18/10 stainless steel with a mirror polish. A magnetic bottom lets it work on induction cooktops. The handle is cast aluminium. The 3-cup pot holds about 150 ml (5.1 fl oz).
The 9090 costs $335 at Alessi US, while the Menhir costs $400. Reviewers praise the 9090 for its taste and build. One finds the steel thin and the pot awkward to clean.
The Menhir has a thicker body and a resin handle.
Alessi Menhir vs Bialetti Moka Express: Which Is Better?
The Bialetti Moka Express costs a fraction of the Alessi Menhir and brews coffee the same way. A US retailer lists it at about $48 to $62.
The Bialetti is aluminium. The standard version does not work on induction without a plate adapter. Bialetti also sells a separate Moka Express Induction model.
The Bialetti Venus is a moka pot in 18/10 stainless steel that works on induction. The Venus comes in 2, 4, 6 and 10 cup sizes. The Bialetti Brikka adds a pressure valve that gives a crema-like foam, but the Brikka is aluminium and needs an adapter on induction.
The sizes match closely. The 3-cup Bialetti holds about 130 to 150 ml (4.4 to 5.1 fl oz). The 6-cup holds about 270 to 300 ml (9.1 to 10 fl oz).
The Menhir adds stainless steel, built-in induction support and a design object. The Bialetti wins on price.
How Much Does the Alessi Menhir Cost?
The Alessi Menhir costs $400 for the 3-cup size at Alessi US. Other US retailers sell the pot for less.
Selfridges lists the 3-cup pot at $230 and the 6-cup pot at $290. Royal Design lists the 3-cup pot at $174 and the 6-cup pot at $215. Both Royal Design prices are marked down from $270 and $335.
Alessi Menhir Prices:
| Retailer | 3-cup | 6-cup |
|---|---|---|
| Alessi US | $400 | Not listed |
| Selfridges | $230 | $290 |
| Royal Design | $174 | $215 |
| Gessato | $400 to $500 | Not listed |
Gessato lists a range of $400 to $500. US prices for the same pot span $174 to $500.
Wayfair and Perigold sell a protection plan for about $54. Prices were checked in October 2026 and change often.
Where Can You Buy the Alessi Menhir?
Where to buy the Alessi Menhir is simple: Alessi US and design retailers sell the pot.
Selfridges, Wayfair, Perigold, Royal Design, Gessato and SSENSE also list the pot.
Wayfair lists a 1 year warranty. European listings state a 24 month statutory warranty.
Stock changes often, so check availability before ordering.
Is the Alessi Menhir Worth It?
Yes. The Alessi Menhir is worth it for design buyers and induction cooks who want stainless steel. The pot is not worth it for a buyer who wants only the cheapest cup.
The pot offers 18/10 stainless steel, induction support, replaceable parts and Italian manufacture. The design entered the 2024 Good Design Awards.
The pot costs from $174 to $400 depending on the retailer. The pot needs hand washing. No independent brew test exists.
A $50 Bialetti brews the same moka-style cup. The extra money buys materials and design, not a different coffee.
Who Should Skip the Alessi Menhir?
Buyers on a tight budget should skip the Alessi Menhir and buy a Bialetti. The Bialetti brews the same style at a fraction of the cost.
Cooks who want dishwasher-safe gear should also skip it. The Menhir needs hand washing.
Buyers who want true espresso should skip it too. A moka pot brews at lower pressure than an espresso machine.
Skip the Alessi Menhir If You Want:
- The lowest price per cup
- Dishwasher-safe gear
- True espresso
- Proof from independent brew tests
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